Alpo Suhonen

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Alpo Suhonen (born June 17, 1948 in Valkeakoski, Finland) was the first European-born NHL head coach in 50 years when he took over the Chicago Blackhawks on May 22, 2000. Along with Ivan Hlinka, they were the first European born head coaches since Johnny Gottselig. He would last less than a year as head coach of the Hawks, as he resigned next spring because of heart problems. There was frequent criticism to Suhonen's coaching citing lack of discipline and a country club atmosphere among the players.

Suhonen has also coached Finland's national ice hockey team during the years 1982–1986, and coached several teams in Finland and in Europe.

Suhonen also produced a Finnish version of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and ran for a spot in the European Parliament. At the time he was also the CEO of music festival Pori Jazz, and he has also written several books in Finnish.

Currently he is coaching Ässät in SM-liiga. He took the job on November 14, 2007.

Preceded by Kalevi Numminen	Finnish national ice hockey team coach 1982 – 1986	Succeeded by Rauno Korpi

Preceded by Boris Majorov	Jokerit head coach 1993	Succeeded by Hannu Aravirta
Preceded by Bob Pulford	Head Coaches of the Chicago Blackhawks 2000–2001	Succeeded by Brian Sutter